Mystical Crusades

Chapter 1 - As the sun sets

The castle was ever bustling with laughter and voices of the people. She was summoned by the Royal King, Varog. She enters the throne room, taking in the ginormous space, walking along the beautifully designed cashmere carpet, she notices the gold and black velvet seats. She could see the chandeliers that hung from the ceiling and two large thrones in the center, just a few feet away. She kneels, "my king, my queen", as she addresses the King and the queen. A humorous chuckle echos in the throne room, escaping from the amused King. "You needn't these formalities Abiola, I am your father, and you may address me as such". The King responds. "Why have you summoned me father?", she asks.

The Royal Queen, Syrana, takes it upon herself to explain the situation. "Abiola, as the Hybrid's daughter and the princess of the Idrida Kingdom, it is your duty to reach your full potential, so you can serve your Kingdom, your people and your realm better." The queen continues, "Your legions have decided that you will attend the Royal Academy, as your brother Ianthe did before you, and as your brother Xoel, who is currently at the academy," The queen's tone was clear, there was no room for discussion that much Abiola was sure of.
"Now, what are your plans for today?" This wasn't the queen talking anymore but her mother. "You are rather uptight, my dear" The King teases his beloved. Having King and Queen as parents were difficult enough, but Royal King and Queen were even harder. Nevertheless, her parents have always been kind and loving towards Abiola and just like now, they have always been playful. Abiola never minded and might even admit, she adored it. Abiola laughs as the pair continues to squabble, but interrupts, "I hadn't had any plans yet mother, but since things are about to change, I shall better go and prepare myself and my things.". The two divert their attention back to their child, and in response, "Very well then, that will be all, we will come to visit you later in your chambers. You may take your leave." The King replies. Her parents' decision was sudden, although she knew she had to attend the academy, it was a year too early. Abiola found it odd, but for now, she decided to rest for tomorrow will be a long day.

Hair as black as the midnight sky, going down till her waist. Her violet eyes and her flawless skin. She traces the detailed tattoo going from her left face down to her chest. She smoothens her dark purple attire and fixes her weapons as she looks at herself in the mirror. Last day in the castle for a long while.

"Don't look so sad Abi, I can always come to visit you at the academy if you miss me too much." Abiola hears a familiar voice behind her, Ianthe, she thinks to herself. "Oh, don't flatter yourself, Ian." She laughs at her brother as she replies. He and Xoel were the closest to her and never failed to cheer her up. "Xoel is at the academy, so you don't have to worry so much". Ianthe says. It was true, she was glad that Xoel was at the academy, it is nice to have someone familiar around in a new place. "Yes, yes, I know! Plus, who's worried? Not me for sure." She says in an attempt to hide her nervousness. "Certainly", Ianthe responds, to a poor attempt of his sister's cover-up, but he lets it slide. He had already contacted Xoel last night, informing him of Abiola's arrival. Abiola was their little sister, and after what she had been through, they had become a tad bit overly protective.

After the hours-long drive, they finally reached the academy, and the sun was starting to set. She says her goodbyes and starts heading towards the dorms. On her way paying very close attention to the surroundings. The dorms were half an hour away from the main campus. On the other side of the academy were all the entertainment facilities anyone could wish for. The academy was located on a huge piece of land, it was like a town.

She could see trees and greenery all around her and her Seraonix, a hybrid creature of the animals of the four kingdoms, was starting to get excited. The people of all the kingdoms are possessed by animal spirits, the phoenix, the dragon, the wolf or the serpent, which allows them to possess their abilities and wield the elemental magic and have telepathic communication with certain people. However, only the descendants of Hybrid, the soulmate of Hybrid and a child destined to be the Royal king are possessed by the Seraonix. The Royal King has the strongest spirit. The Seraonix in its physical form has a body of the wolf, eyes and venom of the serpent, wings of the dragon and surrounded by the flames of the phoenix, their color and size can vary. Other than the Royal King, the hybrids are only able to wield a maximum of three elemental magic. Only the five kings and the five queens possess the ability to fully shape-shift into their spirit animal.

"Let me take control Abi", Her Seraonix asks, "Just let me finish a few things first ", She replies, and with that, she retreats. Standing outside her dorm, she fiddles to enter, just then the door opens, and standing behind it is a silver-haired beauty. Her golden eyes glowing with curiosity, her dragon scales going down from her right face to her chest are a give-away. "Hi, you must be Abiola! I'm Makena, we've been waiting for you"